Thrills And Frills Of EXPERIENCE 18

The biggest gathering of gospel music on earth, EXPERIENCE, which began in 2006, has indeed impacted on the quality of the biggest genre in music, gospel music and one with largest followership on account of its soul lifting and clean lyrics.

EXPERIENCE 18, which holds annually was held on December 8,2023, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) as high praises, impactful prayers and lighthearted jokes in the midst of charged atmosphere, were dished by different personalities.

Sixteen gospel music ministers were on stage to lead the hundreds of thousands of audience in high praise and worship. Travis Greene, Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach, Dunsin Oyekan, Donnie McClurkin, William McDowell, Ada Ehi, Tim Godfrey, Onos Ariyo, Prinx Emmanuel, Moses Bliss,Tope Alabi, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Naomi Raine, Mr M and Revelation, Timi Dakolo, were on stage along with the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir accompanied by the Rock Cathedral Gospel Choir.

The theme, Jesus Our Waymaker was interspersed in all the music sessions, prayers, and other aspects even as thousands throng to the TBS to get answers and healing to the hurts of yesterday.

The Experience over the years according to the convener, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has lived up to expectations, improving the quality of gospel music in Africa and beyond, and even contributing to religious tourism in Lagos. Adefarasin said, “As we stand on the verge of this significant milestone, I am reminded that every profound journey commences with a single step. Entering the heart of the 18th iteration of The Experience—a journey defined by faith, unity, collaboration, and transformative moments.

The success of this journey can only be attributed to the power of The Almighty, who began and sustains what is now globally acclaimed as the biggest gathering of gospel music enthusiasts on the face of the earth.

“The theme for this year, “Jesus Our Way Maker,” has deep significance viewed against the backdrop of a very tumultuous and challenging year marked by severe socio-economic hardship and insecurity in the nation Nigeria.

“The Experience, in more ways than one, symbolizes a beacon of hope piercing the darkness of pervasive hopelessness and feelings of desolation. Beyond being a concert, The Experience has matured (18 being the universal age of adulthood) into a counterculture that aspires to bring Heaven down to Earth within the reach of humanity as we navigate the intricate interplay of (the) faith and culture shaping our interactions and developmental initiatives in our shared journey to great nationhood.”

The likes of Akpororo, Kenny Black, Larry J and others cracked ribs to make the EXPERIENCE and ensemble and a memorable gathering.